7 Businesses In Currituck To Visit During Your OBX Vacation

Caratoke Highway (NC 168) is an 18-mile stretch of highway that runs through Currituck County. It starts at the Virginia state line and follows the coast to the Outer Banks. Many guests often zip down this patch of highway, bypassing the tons of local businesses to explore. You may even enjoy some of the larger known Currituck Mainland stops like Southland, Currituck BBQ, The Weeping Raddish Brewery, and Sanctuary Vineyards. While those are fan favorites and should never be ignored, we would like to share some of our favorite smaller businesses with you. They are lesser-known but will leave a memorable impression during your next Outer Banks vacation.

1. Frog Island Seafood

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

You may be familiar with Frog Island Seafood; it has been in business for over 20 years. They have always offered fresh seafood for purchase and is a reliable place to stop for a delicious seafood lunch or dinner. Recently, they added an oyster bar! You can order delicious raw oysters and have an adult beverage, as well as other daily specials. We recently went and ordered a dozen raw oysters that were caught in Chincoteague, Virginia. They were fresh, served with a ton of fixings. The saltwater taffy martini is something we’d definitely try again. They offer different specials throughout the week and is the perfect place to enjoy seafood like a local. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Address: 3997 Caratoke Hwy, Barco, NC 27917

2. The Sweet Sunflour

Thank you to The Sweet Flour for sharing this photo with us!

If you’re looking for delicious treats and excellent customer service, you have to stop by The Sweet Sunflour! They offer baked goods in-store and do custom cakes and cookies for any occasion (birthdays, weddings, graduations, baby showers, etc.). They even have some yummy treats for your dog. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see more of their delicious treats and all they have to offer.

Address: 6322 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939

3. The Outback Candy Store

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

Located in the same building as The Sweet Sunflour, The Outback Candy Store offers old-fashioned candy, ice cream, milkshakes, preserves, salad dressing, dip mixes, sodas, and more. The owners of the candy store are the parents of the owners of The Sweet Sunflour. The whole space is family-friendly. It is the perfect pit stop to load up on fun treats before heading to your vacation rental. Learn more about them on their website and follow them on Facebook.

Address: 6322 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939

4. Flippers Arcade

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

Flippers Arcade has something for everyone in your family. You can gas up your vehicle while the kids hit the arcade inside. The kids will love playing the arcade games and turning in their tickets for a prize. The laser tag is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. There is a pinball museum towards the back, and you could spend a few minutes touring it, picking out all of your favorite themed machines. They also offer pizza and a small selection of convenience store items. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Address: 6615 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939

5. Mel's Diner

Step back in time and stop for a bite to eat at Mel’s Diner. They serve breakfast all day and offer an array of diner food at really great prices. The inside is decorated with vintage memorabilia. No matter how many times you visit, you will discover something new. Try the club sandwich on toast; it is, hands down, the best club sandwich in all of Currituck. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, order their traditional banana split. lt is large enough to share, so ask for multiple spoons! This diner is so under the radar there are no social media profiles or websites to check out. You have to take our word for it!

Address: 6684 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939

6. Read'em & Weep

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

Located in Grandy, Read’em & Weep is an independent bookshop that offers a large inventory of used books. They have a wide selection of categories to choose from, including rare, autographed, and more. Stop in and pick up a book for your Outer Banks vacation! Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Address: 6580 Caratoke Highway, Grandy, NC 27939

7. Tarheel Produce

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

For over 31 years, this family-owned and operated produce stand has been a summer staple for locals and guests alike. Stop in and load up on fresh seafood and produce to enjoy during your week at the beach. They also have daily specials and offer some local seasonal goods. Their prices are always very fair and cheaper than anything you’ll find on the beach. Save yourself some money and support a local family-owned business all at the same time. Follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Address: 6954 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939

Be sure to add these Currituck businesses to your Outer Banks trip itinerary. The local businesses will be happy to see you and will appreciate your support. Maybe you will even find a new favorite spot to enjoy!

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